Gender differences in successor identification within family farms

Growing attention has been paid to gender balance in EU agriculture due to a persistently lower presence of female farm managers. While several studies have examined factors affecting successor selection in family farms, there is limited evidence on how the process of successor identification differs between male and female successors in the EU. This paper aims to address this gap while highlighting the factors that specifically support or hinder the choice of a female successor. Based on a survey of 559 farmers from Italy and Poland, we employ logistic and multinomial logistic regression to model the likelihood of identifying successors. Firstly, we find a significant difference in the factors affecting the identification of female and male successors, both in the pooled sample and in each country separately. Secondly, female successors are more likely to be identified than male successors in organic farms not belonging to producer organisations, where women are already involved in farm management and rely on the full incumbent's involvement in farming, stronger ties to public institutions, and certain retirement plans. In contrast, patrilineal family structures, such as having a firstborn son, multiple children or family members with health issues, tend to favour male successors. Although start-up support for young farmers may enhance the overall likelihood of successor identification, it does not appear to have a specific effect on the likelihood of selecting female rather than male successors. On this basis, the paper draws some considerations for gender-tailored policies to support gender balance in EU agriculture. • The successor identification process within family farms is investigated. • There is significant difference among male and female successor identification. • Patrilinear norms favouring male successors persist in family farms. • Factors increasing the chances of selecting a female successor are identified. • Gender-specific policy tools may be needed.